Any tips for growing Barley sprouts for flock?

[Sarahndipity723]

Hi Hen lovers,,,
I'm about to buy b50# organic barley with husks for hen fodder,,,
Any tips ideas pls?

 

[Sally PB]

How many chickens are you growing these for? As @raingarden said, 50# is a lot.

When I grew barley, I soaked it for about 3 hours. Then I spread it in an unglazed clay saucer. I had it in the dark, made sure to keep it moist. When tiny sprouts emerged, I put the saucers about 3" away from a kitchen fluorescent under cabinet light.

I kept it moist. When they had a good root mat, I'd water it thoroughly, then drain. I grew it to be about 2" tall. The chickens loved it.

I had 4 chickens at the time, and used about 1/4 cup of barley.